Let's Play! Monkey Motions

A fun activity for your toddler

You may already be familiar with those five mischievous monkeys who insist on jumping on the bed. Now you can introduce them to your toddler and help her develop her rhythm and language skills along the way.

Sit on the floor with your toddler and say, "Let's talk about the five monkeys jumping on the bed!" If you're feeling creative, try making a few monkey noises and see if she'll imitate you.

Hold up five fingers and chant: "Five little monkeys jumping on the bed!" When you say "jumping," show her "jump" in sign language.

To do this, hold your left hand out in front of you, palm facing the ceiling. Make an upside down "v" with your right hand's forefinger and middle finger (think of them as two little legs). Make the legs "jump" up and down on your left palm.

The next line is, "One fell off and bumped his head." On "bumped," tap your own head in a light but exaggerated motion.

Next, chant "Mama called the doctor and the doctor said" while you mime talking into a telephone. For the last line, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" – wag your finger theatrically.

Do the whole thing over again, this time starting with four monkeys (and your hand holding up four fingers). Then do three monkeys, then two, then one. Then say, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" and clap enthusiastically for your child – and yourself!

Don't expect your toddler to mimic your motions right away, but if you do this activity frequently, she'll eventually do it right along with you.

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